CAN I BRING WOOLLY TO THE LIBRARY, MS. REEDER?

Age Range: 5 - 8

As an introduction to the library, the book's plot runs long and sometimes misses the intended audience.

In this loose companion to Can I Bring My Pterodactyl to School, Ms. Johnson? (2006), a child begs to bring his friend Woolly (mammoth) into the library. His refrain: “Can I bring Woolly to the library, Ms. Reeder? Can I? PLEASE?!” Unfortunately, Ms. Reeder never has an opportunity to respond or encourage the child to use the word “may.” Instead, the boy lists the things Woolly might do in the library, from practicing his letters to getting a library card and participating in Story Hour. Imaginative scenarios depicting Woolly learning that he may not bellow in the library or thump around do not mask the didactic text. At least one comment—“being read to will help Woolly with his reading, too”—is clearly aimed at adults. Animated spreads illustrating Woolly tackling library tasks will tickle youngsters, but, in a questionable scene they will not understand, Woolly shakes down a patron for fines. Readers will sigh with relief when the boy announces that Woolly will not be visiting the library after all, only to turn the page to hear the child ask, “Can I bring Saber to the library, Ms. Reeder? Can I? PLEASE?!”

For a more child-friendly romp through the library, try No T. Rex in the Library by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa (2010). (Picture book. 5-8)